Learning experientially

I hear and I forget, I see and I remember. I do and I understand – Confucius

We learn experientially at NOVA Transition. Do you know what this means? At Caringbah and Engadine outlets we do! Learning by doing (instead of by reading or watching) is an important part of our training for Certificate 1 in Work Education at NOVA Transition. Not only is it a good learning strategy; it also gives us experience, which helps with getting a job.

Apart from our formal work experience placements, we learn experientially on a daily basis at NOVA Transition. One day we looked after the office while NOVA staff members were at a training day. We had to answer the phones, following guidelines for what to say. Meg, the NOVA Transition Coordinator, tested us while we took several phone calls. She listened to how we answered the phone and gave us constructive feedback on how we did.

Experiential learning helped us improve our skills and confidence around answering the phone. We learned so much more through practising it than we would have by just reading instructions.

The annual July social is a great opportunity to practise a whole range of work-related skills, such as:

socialising with others

travelling to the venue

using money

managing our time

teamwork.

Last year we went to the Kirrawee bowling club. As well as learning, we all had lots of fun!

Industry visits are a fun and practical way to learn about different workplaces and all the other roles within particular industries. Last year we went to ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation), and learned that there were 1200 employees from kitchen staff to scientists. This was very interesting to discover, as we always thought ANSTO was just for very qualified people.

The idea of experiential learning has been around for a long time. More than 2000 years ago, the Greek philosopher Socrates said: ‘One must learn by doing the thing; though you think you know it, you have no certainty until you try it’. We agree. And we’ve found that learning things in a practical way also gives us confidence in our own ability.

Experiential learning is one of they key ways that NOVA Transition helps us to become job ready.

About NOVA Employment

NOVA is a supported employment program that offers specialist job-seeking assistance and post-placement support. We find jobs in the general community at award wage.

NOVA works exclusively with people who have a disability or significant barriers to work. We have an excellent record of success and meaningful career development. Staff from our Campbelltown office also support people who are deaf or hearing impaired. NOVA is not a sheltered workshop or 'business service'.